Thailand’s Most Popular Regional Cuisine

Isan, the northeast region of Thailand, represents about 30% of the country’s population but punches well above its weight when it comes to its dominance in Thai cuisine. Although Isan food is less common outside of Thailand, inside the country it can be found everywhere, from street food vendors in Chiang Mai to high-end restaurants in Bangkok. This may have something to do with the fact that millions of people from Isan have left the region looking for work; furthermore, they have brought their food with them. It’s more than that, though, as the cuisine is almost universally a favorite among non-Isan Thais and visitors, too.

What makes Isan food different from what Westerners think of when they consider Thai food? There are several flavors and ingredients that seem to predominate: chili peppers, lime, peanuts, dried shrimp, fresh fruits and vegetables, sticky rice, cilantro, mint, and other fresh herbs. While flavor layers are very complex, food preparation is often quite simple. Instead of curries that have simmered for hours, fresh, brightly flavored savory salads form the backbone of Isan cuisine. Simple marinated grilled or fried meats and sticky rice are often accompanied by one of the region’s many “tams,” or salads.

Isan Dishes

• Sticky Rice: In Isan, rice is prepared as one big, sticky clump rather than in separate, soft grains typical of most other parts of Thailand and Asia. Sticky rice is served in a small steamer or bag and is best eaten with fingers, as it is nearly impossible to eat with a fork. Locals often pull off a clump of sticky rice to dip into a salad or another dish before popping it into their mouths.
• Som Tam: The most popular Isan dish is som tam, a spicy papaya salad made of shredded green papaya, green beans, tomatoes, peanuts, lime, dried shrimp, garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, and palm sugar. All ingredients are pounded together in a mortar to create a salty, tangy, slightly sweet, and sometimes very spicy crispy salad. Many variations exist, and salted crab is often added in street versions. Other similar salads may include Thai eggplant, green banana, or green mangoes.
• Larb and Nam Tok: Larb, made with ground meat, and nam tok, using sliced grilled meat, share a similar sauce: a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, spices, and crunchy roasted rice. Larb, typically made with ground pork, may also include pig liver, which some diners find unappealing, so it is wise to inquire before ordering. These dishes quickly become favorites among those who try them!
• Gai Yang: Simple grilled chicken is a staple of Isan cuisine, often cooked on small charcoal grills along the roadside. Grilled pork neck and grilled fish are also common. Marinades usually consist of lemon juice, sugar, and other ingredients, offering a delightful flavor without being overpowering.
• Gai Tod: Fried chicken in Isan is renowned for its crispiness. While often associated with American cuisine, Isan residents indeed fry a mean bird! The crispy coating can sometimes be sweet, flecked with sesame seeds, and is always served with a spicy dipping sauce. Although the classic combination is gai yang, som tam, and sticky rice, indulging in some gai tod can be a delightful alternative.
• Moo Ping: Popular skewers of marinated meat, usually pork, are grilled and served on a stick with a dipping sauce. The marinade is characterized by a sweet, salty flavor and strong garlic notes, while the meat remains tender and fatty. Priced at 5-10 baht a stick, they make a great road-side snack or meal when paired with sticky rice. Despite common confusion, moo ping should not be mistaken for satay, which is prepared with a coconut-based marinade and likely originated in Indonesia.
• Isan Sausage: Known as sai crok, this pork and rice sausage is a popular evening snack. Often prepared in small balls connected and grilled, the unique aspect is that the meat and rice mixture is fermented for a few days before cooking and serving. While it may sound risky, the garlic and sour flavor is sublime!
• Isan Alcoholic Drinks: Beer is popular throughout Isan, with Leo being the most favored Thai beer brand, alongside Chang and occasionally Singha.